DMIS: Somalia – Floods : Floods in South Central

Spring “ Gu” rainy season has already started in all regions of the country. In most parts of regions have received good rains while, in other parts reports indicate that they have received light to moderate rains. The following are the reports sent by SRCS branches across the country.

In Gedo region, there have been heavy to moderate rains in most districts such as Bardera, Fafahdhun, Elwaq, Dolow, Luq and Burdhubo for almost a week. Jubba river is close to overflowing, if the rains continue in this way for some more days, it is more likely to overflow and result in heavy flooding leading to massive destruction of properties and lives. For that reason, most farmers have started to dismantle their irrigation engines to avoid being washed away by the potential floods. In rain-fed regions of Bakol and Bay, rains have been received in almost all districts including Baidoa, Burhakaba, Berdale, Huddur, Tieglow, Elgaras, and Rabdhure. Most farmers have already started planting the seeds.

In Mudug region, heavy rains fell in Jariban district causing destruction with several households losing their livestock herds (The exact number has not been established). Areas of Ba’adweyn and Harfo received good rains while Galkayo and Goldogob have recorded light rains which are not good enough. In southern parts of Galkayo (Galmudug areas) the rains are good. In Nugal region, good rains have received in coastal areas such as Eyl, Godobjiiraan, Hasbahalle and other areas such as Qarhis. In Burtinle Zone, light rains have been received.

In Lower and middle Jubba regions, almost all districts have received good rains. In Middle Jubba region, the seedlings have been destroyed and eaten up by pests.

In Lower Shebelle region, heavy rains pounded in the districts of Qorioley, Janaale, Awdhegle, Bulomarer and others. On 13 April, floods washed away crops and a village called Siigale just 4 km from Jannale district. At least 500 families have been displaced and moved to neighboring villages such as Busley and Gunjiye. These villages are located about 30 – 36 km from Merca – the capital of the region. A comprehensive report on the damage caused will be availed in the subsequent reports.

In Middle Shebelle, two agriculturally productive areas named Huruwa and Mandhera which are under Mahaday and Jowhar districts have been affected by floods which resulted in heavy loss of property and infrastructure. Mandhera village is 15-km to south of Jowhar town. The flooding has affected many crops such as maize, tomato, sesame, beans, and other vegetables, personal assets and destroyed reserve stocks in underground stores. The flooding still is going on and it is possible that it will cut off the road connecting Jowhar to Mogadishu in the coming days and reach other villages and farms. In addition, the roads in Maandhera village area are all closed by heavy rains and the use of boats is the only option. Efforts by the authorities and local community of Jowhar district to stop the run-off water have not yet succeeded. SRCS Jowhar branch staff and volunteers have alerted the communities along riverine areas to take evacuate and move to higher grounds.

In Mahaday district, one of Zab’a Jaziira villages called Huruwa is the hardest hit area with about 35-40 km square affected by the floods damaging close to 1200 hectares. In the meantime, the flooding affected a total of 3,320 families and the number may rise anytime. The floods are more likely to render the roads of more than 50 to 6o villages including Mahaday and Jowhar districts impassable. On the other hand, there is fear of disease outbreaks such as malaria, measles, watery diarrhea, typhoid, skin diseases and other water born diseases.

It is apparent that if the rains continue in these areas, both Jubba and Shebelle Rivers are much more likely to burst their banks as the water levels are high and very close to overflowing. The populations living in affected villages are likely to be marooned by flood water as they do not have other areas to move to except main towns. There is high probability of disease outbreaks such as malaria and other water-borne diseases. It is also evident that there are basic needs for life-saving assistance such as food, water, shelter, health care and sanitation etc. chlorination of household water supplies will be required as the water points are already contaminated. Farm tools and seeds will be needed to restore the livelihoods of the affected people.